Film Review: Song To Song by Terrence Malick
Hello to the four people who read these blogs :) Just kidding, my mom said I'm gonna make it big as a critic, so, hello to all my fans as well. I believe my mother because she said I would grow up to be so handsome, and she nailed that prediction. Today I am going to do the review of a film by Terrence Malick. You may have heard of him or maybe even seen one of his films. He's got such a way with filling each scene with raw emotions. Anyway, here we go!
Quick summary (from Wikipedia): Set against the Austin, Texas, music scene, two entangled couples -- struggling songwriters Faye (Rooney Mara) and BV (Ryan Gosling), and music mogul Cook (Michael Fassbender) and the waitress (Natalie Portman) whom he ensnares -- chase success through a rock 'n' roll landscape of seduction and betrayal.
What did I feel about the film?
For the first time, I actually felt something different watching this film. I felt myself connect to the emotions in each shot. The movie may not have aced every "check-box" in a commercial-film sense, but you got to give it to the musical score. I was in love with it. I felt myself grow a little naïve towards the ending of the film. Perhaps a part of me wishes to have what Ryan Gosling and Rooney Mara did, but for the sake of this review I shall try to remain professional. *sniff*
What were my after thoughts?
I felt happy, emotional and conflicted. yeah, I had all those emotions in THAT specific order. No, I am still somewhat qualified to keep this review going. I feel like Cook got what he deserved. I felt a tad bit upset, because Rhonda's mom sacrificed so much for her, yet Rhonda (Natalie Portman) just gave in and took her own life. I suppose I can't judge her decision because I've never been in such a situation. Though eventually, I did like the ending, as Kaye and BV ended up together. They did seem like they were meant for each other.
On a mental level, how do I process this film?
There were moments where I was lost. I didn't know where the story was going, luckily the narrations kept me in the loop. I felt a connect to the characters in the film. Most of all to BV. I haven't completely finished a Terrence Malick film, but after this, I was glad I did. I think I mentioned it before, but I'm glad my professor makes us watch these films, because there is so much for all of us to explore. And today I got to explore the world of Terrence Malick. The presence of nature in our increasingly urban lives, the poetic approach to the story lines, and the thought-provoking questions being laid out, I enjoyed it all.
What film grammar did I notice?
Just like any other Terrence Malick film, this film flowed like water for me. Crystal clear, cool blue water. The narrations of each character helps us understand their true wants and needs. I noticed how certain shots focused on a particular sound in the shot more than any other sound that may have had been occuring. I felt like this was a way of communicating the message in the particular scene. Like how you can here the interstate highway, while BV(Ryan Gosling) was in the country side. Or how you could only hear the water splashes when Kaye and BV were hiking on the small hill, towards the end.
What film theory can you put down here?
Very often we can see the close up of our main character mostly when they cry. I also saw a lot of close ups of flowers and other nature related references. This film felt more like a realism based one to me. LOTS and LOTS of non-diegetic sound, which I really liked.
What similarities can I draw from other films, if any?
*inhale*......... None. No, I seriously cannot relate this film to any other kind of film. Films not made by Terrence Malick, that is. Its a unique method and I am glad to say that I like it.
Alright lads. This brings us to the end of our third review. I hope you guys found this to be a useful review. If you are a film enthusiast, please do like and share. I feel like with each review, I grow to understand what not to do. So stick with me fellas, I'm going to get better at this. For the sake of my grades. Have a good day, and goodbye.
